Link to The Fragrance Banter Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/59Oust4S4SSEFJ5TTDhUaT?si=07288512d2f14a25

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Fragrance expectations can be a tricky beast. What smells promising on paper doesn't always translate to skin—a lesson Myke and Ryan learned firsthand with Parfums de Marly's newest release, Castley. 

The journey begins with high hopes as the duo recounts their pre-release encounter with this fragrance, where they could only sample it on a test strip within the store. Initial impressions were positive, drawing comparisons to LV's Imagination and quality Chanel offerings. But the real test came when they finally got their hands on a proper sample.

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Raspberry dreams and powdery reality? That's the unexpected journey we take when exploring Chanel's newest women's release - Chance Eau Splendide.

When a luxury house like Chanel drops a new fragrance, the fragrance community takes notice. So naturally, we had to get our hands on this latest addition to the beloved Chance lineup. At $176 for 100ml (nearly $200 with tax), the price point demands excellence, but does it deliver?

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Ever wondered how far someone could get simply by looking official and speaking with confidence? This episode dives into the hilariously audacious world of a TikTok comedian who's built an entire brand around posing as an "OSHA Cares Diversity Affairs" representative. Armed with nothing but a white polo shirt, clipboard, and fake badge number, he walks into businesses and confronts management with absurd "anonymous employee complaints" – including one about someone "running around like he on powder" and management having "a personal vendetta against bisexual Brian."

From there, we dive into our signature random sample bag segment, pulling out a fragrance for review. The conversation unexpectedly evolves into a spirited debate about cats, the horrifying experience of opening wet cat food, and whether scented laundry products might be interfering with your carefully chosen fragrances – a consideration many perfume enthusiasts overlook.

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We sample Francis Kurkdjian's "Kurky," a fragrance inspired by the perfumer's childhood nickname. With its fruity, candy-like profile dominated by bubble gum notes and tutti frutti accords, Kurky immediately transports us to memories of Halloween candy bags and childhood treats. Despite its cheerful opening, concerns about longevity and projection quickly emerge—a common criticism echoed in online reviews. At $245 for 2.4 ounces, we debate whether this youthful, predominantly feminine fragrance justifies its luxury price point.

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Dan from Soma and Insider Parfums joins The Cologne Podcast for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the fragrance industry that both newcomers and connoisseurs will find fascinating.

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The moment Karson walked into the studio with his full-sized bottle of Louis Vuitton's Imagination, we knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary review. As a self-described "boots and jeans ranch guy," Karson hardly fits the profile of a luxury fragrance enthusiast – but that's precisely what makes his perspective so valuable.

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A single sip of champagne can conjure memories of celebration, luxury, and effervescence - but can a fragrance truly capture that same bubbly essence? Xerjoff certainly attempts this ambitious feat with their Louis XV 1722, a perfume collaboration inspired by the world's finest champagne.

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What happens when a respected professional's 27-year career ends with a single webcam mistake? Myke and Ryan dive into this provocative question as they resurrect the fan-favorite Random Sample Bag segment after numerous community requests.

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The buttery popcorn and makeup accord of Jean-Paul Gaultier's Le Male Elixir Absolu takes center stage as Myke and Ryan work through their initial skepticism about yet another "elixir" release. Their breakdown reveals a fragrance that defies expectations – sweet, slightly salty, and reminiscent of the lipstick accord found in Dior Homme. Despite one scathing online review claiming it "smells like sperm," our hosts find something genuinely appealing in this sophisticated designer offering.

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